Bhubaneswar: The IDCO Exhibition Ground came alive with colour, craft and commerce on Saturday evening with the grand inauguration of the mega exhibition “Sisir Saras–2026,” turning the venue into a vibrant confluence of rural enterprise and cultural expression.
The fair was inaugurated by Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Gokula Nanda Mallik, and is being organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) under the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department.
Addressing artisans, Self-Help Group members and visitors, the minister described Sisir Saras as a powerful instrument for strengthening rural self-reliance. He said the exhibition goes far beyond being a conventional marketplace, serving instead as a platform that reflects grassroots empowerment by directly connecting rural producers with urban consumers. By eliminating intermediaries, the fair enables women-led SHGs and traditional artisans to secure fair returns for their skills, thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic independence.
Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das lauded ORMAS for its sustained efforts to preserve and promote Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. She noted that Sisir Saras plays a crucial role in reviving traditional crafts by providing artisans exposure to a wider, even national, market, which in turn helps generate long-term employment opportunities.
MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, who was also present at the inaugural ceremony, underscored the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the rural economy and enhancing income opportunities for grassroots producers. Monica Priyadarshini, CEO of ORMAS, delivered the welcome address, while Sanjeeb Kumar Singh, Additional CEO of ORMAS, proposed the vote of thanks.
This year’s edition of Sisir Saras has been designed as a vibrant “Mini India Market,” bringing together artisans and producers from all 30 districts of Odisha along with participants from 20 other states. The fair features 340 stalls showcasing a diverse range of products, complemented by multiple food counters that add to the festive atmosphere.
Visitors can explore a wide array of indigenous and GI-tagged products, including Sambalpuri and Subarnapuri handlooms, Kalajeera rice from Koraput, and millet-based products from Sundargarh, reflecting the spirit of “Vocal for Local.” An ambitious business target of approximately ₹30 crore has been set for this edition.
Adding to its appeal, Sisir Saras–2026 will host daily cultural evenings featuring performances by noted artists, including Bollywood singer Divya Kumar. A special tribute programme has also been planned in memory of the late and much-loved Odia singer Humane Sagar. Family-friendly attractions such as a selfie point, game zone and an expansive food court further enhance the visitor experience.
Organisers have placed special emphasis on maintaining a clean, plastic-free and well-managed venue. Roads leading to the exhibition ground have been beautified with traditional Jhoti art, while essential facilities such as drinking water, adequate lighting and robust security arrangements have been put in place for public convenience.
The Sisir Saras–2026 fair is open to visitors ежедневно from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and will continue until January 18, 2026, offering citizens a unique opportunity to experience the richness of rural India under one roof.
